The Hero’s Journey of Moving Abroad and Returning Home
Moving abroad is undeniably an adventure. It's exhilarating, somewhat intimidating, and full of unknowns. But if you've made the leap, or preparing to, then there's more to this experience than the logistics of visas, packing, and learning a new language. It's a journey of personal growth. And, like any great adventure, it follows a pattern that has been told in stories for centuries: the Hero’s Journey.
The Hero's Journey describes the classic arc of every great story—a call to action, obstacles to overcome, mentors and allies who help along the way, a moment of deep struggle, and ultimately, growth.
Something people don't realize, though, is that expat repatriation is a part of this journey. After spending months or years adapting to a new country, you return home only to find that things feel...different. The place may seem the same, but you’ve changed. Reverse culture shock, a sense of displacement, and the challenge of integrating everything you’ve learned can make going home feel like another adventure—one that doesn’t always come with a clear roadmap.
By looking at repatriation and the expat experience through the lens of the hero's journey, we can see them for what they really are: not mere logistic transitions, but an opportunity for—and even an invitation to—profound personal transformation.
As you reflect on your own journey—whether you're preparing to move, fully immersed in expat life, or adjusting to being back home—take a moment to pause and reflect:
What was your "call to adventure"?
What drew you to this experience, and how have you grown along the way?
If you've returned home, how has your idea of "home" evolved?
Understanding your own path through these transitions can help you appreciate how much you’ve learned, even in the moments that felt the hardest.
Are you ready to process your experiences from living abroad?
The Hero’s Journey group coaching cohort is a safe space for people who have lived abroad and have returned home to find clarity, connection, and confidence to move forward.